Services
Individual Counselling
$120 - 60 minutes per session
You might feel a bit unsure about starting counselling, especially if it's your first time. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed or a little nervous. In your first session, we’ll spend time getting to know you and discussing what to expect in our sessions. We’ll talk about why you decided to come and what you'd like to achieve.
I don't use the same approach for everyone, and we won't just focus on surface-level issues. We'll look at how your past experiences have affected you and the ways you've learned to cope. Counseling can teach you valuable tools and techniques to help you along the way. Healing happens when you feel genuinely heard and understood. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out and book your first session.
Areas of special interest and experience working with are:
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Trauma experiences/Sexual abuse/Family domestic violence.
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Living with a narcissistic partner, parent or family member.
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Depression, anxiety and stress.
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Grief and loss/Anger issues/emotional dysregulation.
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Childhood and early emotional wounding.
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Lack of confidence and self-esteem
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Attachment distress and self sabotage behaviours.
Our therapeutic approach addresses the mind, body and spirit connection, fostering lasting healing and personal growth. We use a holistic blend of person centred, EMDR, CBT, trauma informed, attachment based and mind-body techniques.
Trauma counselling
$120 - 60 minutes per session
Are you struggling with the weight of trauma? It’s like carrying a heavy load that affects how you feel each day. You might be tired, not just in your body but in your heart and mind too. This can make it hard to sleep and sometimes you might have nightmares. Have you noticed that things that used to make you happy don’t anymore, you might not feel like being around other people and might prefer to be alone. Sometimes trusting others can be tough, especially if someone you cared a lot about betrayed your trust. Or maybe when you were younger, you were made to feel like what you needed wasn’t important. Feeling alone and like you can’t rely on anyone can be really lonely. If thinking about trusting again feels scary, just remember that it’s okay to feel that way. It’s important to know that you’re not alone, even if it might feel that way.
Trauma does not discriminate, and it can happen to anyone, working with trauma is my area of expertise and I understand it can be hard to reach out and learn to trust again. I want you to know and believe you can regain a sense of power and control over your life and improve relationships. If you’re ready to overcome the challenges you’re facing, I invite you to reach out and take the step towards support that you need and deserve. We are waiting for you.
Client case study
Client Background:
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When Sarah first came to Dara Counselling Service, she was visibly overwhelmed and emotionally drained. She had been in an emotionally abusive relationship for the past decade, and her partner’s constant manipulation, criticism, and gaslighting had severely impacted her self-esteem. Sarah also carried the heavy burden of unresolved childhood trauma, which compounded her distress and left her frequently triggered. These factors made it almost impossible for her to cope with daily life, and her mental well-being was severely compromised. As a mother of two young children with limited support, Sarah was struggling to maintain any semblance of stability or happiness.
Intervention:
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In our initial session, I made it a priority to provide Sarah with a safe, non-judgmental space where she could feel heard and valued. I listened as Sarah recounted the emotional abuse from her partner and the lingering impacts of her childhood trauma.
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Utilizing a trauma-informed approach, I worked with Sarah to help her understand the connections between her past and present struggles. We explored her emotional triggers, my aim was to empower Sarah to recognise and build on her inherent strengths and resilience. We also focused on practical strategies to set healthy boundaries within her abusive relationship, gradually helping her regain a sense of control over her life.
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Throughout our sessions, I consistently reinforced Sarah’s progress, celebrating her small victories and encouraging her to see her own growth. This strengths-based approach was critical in helping Sarah rebuild her self-esteem and recognize her capacity for change.
Outcome:
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Over time, Sarah showed significant improvement in her mental well-being. She became more adept at managing her triggers and experienced a renewed sense of confidence. Importantly, she was better able to create a more stable and nurturing environment for her children, ensuring their well-being alongside her own. Sarah’s journey was a testament to her strength and resilience, and I felt privileged to be a part of her healing process.
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Client testimonial
🌟 Testimonial for Shirley @ Dara Counselling Service 🌟
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"When I first came to Dara Counselling Service, I was at my breaking point. Trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship and carrying the weight of unresolved childhood trauma, I felt completely lost and unable to cope with life. As a mother with limited support, my mental well-being was in shambles. Meeting Shirley was the turning point I so desperately needed.
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From our very first session, Shirley’s kind, empathetic, and down-to-earth approach made me feel truly seen and heard. She listened without judgment, offering compassionate guidance that helped me make sense of my pain. Shirley’s trauma-informed approach was remarkably healing. She taught me effective strategies to manage my emotional triggers and guided me in setting healthier boundaries within my relationship.
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Shirley’s unwavering support and encouragement helped me rediscover my inner strength and resilience. Her expertise has been instrumental in improving my mental well-being and enabling me to be a better parent to my children. I am deeply grateful for the profound impact Shirley has had on my life. If you are struggling with similar issues, I wholeheartedly recommend Shirley at Dara Counselling Service. She truly is the best."
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Sarah B.
Testimonial #DaraCounselling #ChildhoodTrauma #AbuseSupport #MentalHealthMatters #CompassionateCounselling #TraumaInformed
Change is possible.
Reach out for support
Client case study
Client Background:
Tom, a 35-year-old man, came to Dara Counselling Service seeking support for his anger issues. Raised in a violent home, Tom had witnessed and experienced various forms of abuse throughout his childhood. These traumatic experiences had greatly impacted his emotional responses, resulting in frequent anger outbursts as an adult. Despite this, Tom showed good insight and emotional intelligence, recognizing the need for professional help to manage his anger and break the cycle of violence he had grown up with.
Intervention:
During our initial sessions, Tom expressed his apprehension about attending counselling. He had never sought professional help before and was concerned he would be judged for his anger issues and background. I made it a priority to create a safe, non-judgmental space where Tom could feel comfortable sharing his experiences and emotions.
Through a series of discussions, I helped Tom explore the root causes of his anger. We delved into his childhood experiences, identifying how the violence he witnessed and endured had shaped his emotional responses. Tom's good insight and emotional intelligence greatly facilitated our work together, as he was able to articulate his feelings and understand the connections between his past and present behavior.
I introduced Tom to anger management techniques, focusing on both cognitive-behavioral strategies and mindfulness practices. We worked on identifying triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and finding healthy ways to express his emotions. Tom was proactive in applying these strategies, demonstrating a strong commitment to change.
Outcome:
Over time, Tom made significant progress in managing his anger. His ability to recognize triggers and implement coping strategies improved greatly. He reported feeling more in control of his emotions and less reactive in situations that previously would have led to outbursts. Tom’s journey was a testament to his resilience and willingness to change, and I felt honored to be a part of his transformation.
Client testimonial
“As someone who had never attended counselling before, I was extremely worried about seeking help for my anger issues. Growing up in a violent home, I had always struggled with controlling my anger and feared that I would be judged in a counselling setting. Reaching out was not easy but working with Shirley was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Shirley listened to my story without any judgment and helped me understand the deep-rooted causes of my anger. Her ability to create a safe space made it much easier for me to open up about my past. I talked about things I had never spoken of before.
Shirley guided me through various anger management techniques, teaching me how to identify triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Her methods were practical and highly effective, and I found myself feeling more in control of my emotions day by day.
Shirley not only helped me manage my anger but also made me realize my strengths and resilience. If you’re struggling with similar issues and are worried about seeking help, I highly recommend reaching out to Shirley at Dara Counselling Service. She truly helps you see the best in yourself.”
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Tom L.
Referrals and rebates
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A referral is not required, you can just contact the service directly via email or phone.
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No Medicare rebates or bulk-bill services are offered at this time.
Health funds accepted
You will need to contact your health care provider to obtain information about your rebate. See FAQs for more details.
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Do I need a referral to access counselling?No, you do not need a referral to attend counselling sessions, you can contact the service directly.
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How much do sessions cost?$120 for 60 mins
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Can I change or cancel my appointment?You can change or cancel your appointment 48 hours before your appointment time. For appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, you will incur the full fee. This policy is representative of the industry standard within counselling and psychotherapy professions.
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How many sessions will I need?The length of your treatment will very much depend on your unique circumstances. We recommend six sessions followed by a review to discuss your needs. Keep in mind that once you start sessions, new issues and angles can arise you were not aware existed that you may then want to explore. It is of course also possible for see improvement faster than you expected.
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How do I pay for my appointment?To ensure as much time as possible is available for your appointment, payment is processed at the time of your online booking with Credit or debit card. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. Alternatively, you can pay by bank transfer, but payment must be received 48 hours prior to your appointment.
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Can I claim counselling on Medicare?No Medicare rebates or bulk-bill services are offered at this time.
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Can I use my health insurance to pay for counselling sessions?This depends on the nature of your policy. Check with your provider to see if counselling sessions are covered, how many sessions can be included if so, and if there are any other restrictions. Medibank, BUPA, AHM & Police and Nurses funds accepted.
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Do I have to contact my insurance first, or book an appointment first?If you are familiar with the terms of your policy and are aware that therapy is covered, you are welcome to make an appointment with a therapist. You will be provided with an invoice and provider number after your session to claim through your preferred fund.
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Will my counselling appointments be confidential?Yes, counselling session are confidential. Your therapist is ethically bound to keep what you share private. There are limitations to confidentiality which are discussed at your intake (first) appointment.